The inauguration was held at the Belgian airport on Friday 1 March in Cainiao’s eHub, which is leased by WFS and operated in partnership with Cainiao.
The collaboration aims to optimise logistics processes through streamlining operations and adopting innovation.
Teddy Zebitz, CEO of Saudia Cargo, says, “Our collaboration marks a strategic milestone, addressing the burgeoning significance of e-commerce in the air cargo sector. Our aim is clear-to introduce a business model that enhances efficiency, reliability, and innovation on a global scale, reshaping the landscape of international trade.”
Cainiao and WFS have been working together to serve customers including Saudia Cargo since November 2021 with key service level agreement commitments including a 3-hour e-commerce transit, BUP release within 3 hours from ATA and truck handling in less than 90 minutes.
The collaboration will use the eHub with three temperature-controlled facilities jointly designed by the parties.
The areas are 205 square metres for loose 2-8C, 140 square metres for BUP 2-8C and 400 square metres for loose 15-25C supporting perishables and pharmaceutical products.
The eHub also has BCP certification so it can transport fresh goods and further enhance capacity for cross-border trade.
The initiative addresses demand for logistics in the cross-border e-commerce sector, particularly in the Middle East and Europe.
Earlier this year, Cainiao launched the Global 5-Day Delivery international express delivery service in collaboration with AliExpress, which is available in 10 countries.
Freighters have been made available from Hong Kong to Riyadh and Liege tailored for logistics services in those regions and enhancing e-commerce delivery efficiency.
WFS has had its contract extended to handle over 50,000 tonnes of cargo annually on flights connecting Liege and Riyadh for Saudia Cargo.
The Cainiao facility which WFS subleases integrates the latest technologies including AGVs, advanced PDAs, digital dashboards and live tracking systems to support a new generation of cargo management systems utilising IoT technologies for efficient and sustainable e-commerce handling.
Eric Xu, Vice President of Cainiao Group, says, “Cainiao is committed to transforming the logistics industry through continuous innovation to enable a seamless e-commerce experience and we are delighted to find close partners like Saudia Cargo and WFS on this path. Through continuously equipping our Liege eHub with cutting-edge technology solutions and facilities, we managed to boost the efficiency of logistics operations while improving customer experience through greater transparency and traceability.”